Endocrine evaluation of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection: A cross sectional analyses in tertiary level hospital.

Objective: To evaluate common endocrine responses of the patients hospitalized with COVID 19 Infection at Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study which included 66 patients having age 18 years and above with positive COVID 19 PCR, who were reported in COVID OPD for hospitalization in Isolation Units and Intensive Care Unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar between June 15, 2020 to December 15, 2020. Patients with preexisting kidney or liver disease, those who had used steroids before enrollment and pregnant and lactating females were excluded. Patients were clinically assessed, and investigations were performed which included C- reactive protein (CRP), complete blood count (CBC), Covid PCR, thyroid function tests (TFTs), and cortisol levels. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 54.38±15.81 years. At baseline, 75%, 17%, and 3% patients had mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19, respectively. Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH) levels were suppressed in 25% of patients, more significant in those with more severe infection. Raised cortisol levels were found in 94% of patients at admission without any prior use of steroids. As per clinical outcome is concerned, mortality occurred in 20% of patients while 80% recovered healthy. Conclusion: The findings of the results suggest an appropriate response of endocrine system to covid infection. The amount of cortisol and TSH changes were also associated with the severity of sickness.